China has started doing this stuff now, whereas the US has been doing it since when, since Cyberspace started eh? its the US that has been exploiting all the nations & aiming a gun at everyone's head in the name of humanity, world peace or whatever crap. Its just that they ignited the fire all around, now the flames are reaching their own house, they're panic'in like sissy girls... I don't know, but inoccent people should'nt suffer in all these politics for the top spot, I wonder if US would face a situation like Firecell in Die hard 4.0, except for the fact that there'll be no Bruce willis around to save 'em...

AJ, Mumbai, India/Maharashtra

hilarious comments from most of the Americans here. sorry, did you people forget you and the British have been stealing other nations' property and rights for a lot longer than the Chinese? i agree that the moment another country gets as good as or better at the bad things the US and other countries do daily, the US start throwing their toys out the pram. whatever next....

go China. each to their own. America, Great Britain, the EU and other countries - shut up, stop complaining and fix your own problems before trying to add to someone else's with your constant bully boy tactics. it's YOU, USA, that are ruining the world, not China.

chris, Norwich, UK

Some time ago, a UK TV channel filmed a set keys held by a jailer, and they were severely reprimanded for it, and had to pay a fine. The view held was that inmates would see the video, and be able to replicate the keys.

On Sep 27, 2007, the Associated Press released a "government video show[ing] the potential destruction caused by hackers seizing control of a crucial part of the U.S. electrical grid."

In March 2007, General James E. Cartwright Commander United States Strategic Command stated "...America is under widespread attack in cyberspace. Our freedom to use cyberspace is threatened by the actions of criminals, terrorists, and nations alike."

Chinese military hackers have prepared a detailed plan to disable American targets. This situation is no different to the keys. It was shown it could be done, now it will be done.

Shaun, Northampton,

If China does end up dominating the world at least I won't have to drive so far to get good Kung pao chicken.

Terry, Maricopa, USA

Fenfh, Panjin , Liaoning Province said

"Chine ever invaded your country and occupied your towns??"

Tell that to Tibet

Jason Ridley, London, UK

When it comes to this sort of high level with China and USA we are very much in the dark about what is actually happening and to think that a report like this will shed any real light on what is happening is quite naiive. We seem to be quite scared of China because it is growing so quickly but is it actually right to be scared of them? Everyday we look on the TV at adverts that show what a bad situation the poor people of the world are in and we give to Charities that help these poor people but is it not this kind of development that is the answer to this paid and suffering all over the world. Is the ideal world situation USA and developed countries exploiting undeveloped countries or for the undeveloped countries to actually develop. Will free and fair trade between more developed countries not benefit the whole world.
We seem scared that China is developing so quickly but there if you look at the figures there is still a massive way to go. Why do we assume they will overtake USA?

Richard, Beijing, China

Despite its protestations, attempts like this from China and Russia show their real heart - if the US weren't restraining them, violence and brutality would quickly reign. Don't be fooled by devouring wolves in sheeps clothing!

charles, London, UK

It's really hard for me too understand why so many of you hate china so much.Chine ever invaded your country and occupied your towns?China ever took your wealth violently?Your palace ever was burnt to the ground?China ever split Your countries and made your own people hate and mistrust each other?Just like the situation in Irap,in Afghanistan? My dear friends(Chinese need friends,nor enemies.),give up your conservative bias,pls!

Fenfh, Panjin , Liaoning Province

U.S.is lying.who is fighting and killing the innocent people every day in Mideast and more another parts across the world?China?No! It' s the so-called democracy-guard:U.S.A

Fenfh, Panjin , Liaoning Province

If one was to read the Chinese constitution it states " One day when all the world is China" This is how they feel about all of their constant actions against the U.S. We are the main obstacle in acheiving world dominance. Better think twice before you buy those cheap Chinese made goods, you maybe aiding the ENEMY!!! Wake up AMERICA!!!

frank, Seattle , washington

It is just another way to bring in One World Goverment..New World Order! It is happening right before all man kind and no one can stop it.

Gary, Queen Creek, AZ

Surely propogander and scare mongering devised by the US to pave the way for trade sanctions against China to slow the exponential growth in the Chinese economy .... would be nice to see an article on the current state of US cyber war program in the interests of balance. It seems that anytime any nation comes even close to competing with the US on anything they starting shouting "no fair" to the international press and then start a war. God help us all if they start on China!

alan, buxton, english

Well, the obvious answer is to stop complaining about it and take some action: aggressively and relentlessly hack the insides out of China's government, industrial, and commercial computers while continuously improving the West's computer security. The US and other Western governments cannot let this go without retaliation. Just respond in kind and disrupt the Chinese computers without let-up. Seek and expose as many of China's military, industrial, and commercial secrets as possible.Two or more can play at the hacking game.

Hack Back, Canberra, Australia

I work in Beijing. You should believe this report.

Optimus Prime, Beijing, China

Yeah, this sounds about right. I have spent some time in China and the anti-American propaganda I heard made one think they took the thought of war seriously. Computer attack would be a logical, lower-budget way of taking down an otherwise superior force. With computer aided systems down China's strength would certainly be more intimidating...

Tim, Greeley, /USA/CO

China wouldn't risk losing the commercial interests. There is simply too much investment between the nations to start a callous war. This is just more neo-con and christian conservative propoganda. They'll just never be happy until armaggedon or until something makes all this military spending justified. Remember, they're fighting against the forces of evil, and its an endless war.

john, astoria,

Oh yeah, it's ok for the U.S. govt (such as it is) to spy on millions of innocent American citizens, but not ok now that the shoe is on the other foot. WHAT HYPOCRITES!

Kimmer, Terrell, TX

Well if they took out my Bank's systems, the service is so poor I would hardly notice the difference.

Mark, Oldham,

Sounds a lot like the U.S. military's goal of total information dominance--which is hardly a secret.

Besides, we have strategies for taking down just about every nation on earth, friendly and otherwise. How is this any different? I guarantee that every developed nation is taking the issue of cyber defense and offense strategies seriously.

Zolodoco, Omaha,

t>>>>China’s ambitions extend to crippling an enemy’s financial, military and communications capabilities early in a conflict, according to military documents and generals’ speeches that are being analysed by US intelligence officials.<<<<<<<

Oh, sure, the same intelligence officers and agencies who discovered the "nowhere-to-be-found" weapons of mass destruction in Irak.

You draw the conclussions of what might be next.

alex, Cor,

That's not the correct definition of a botnet.

Botnet is a jargon term for a collection of software robots, or bots, which run autonomously. A botnet's originator can control the group remotely, usually through a means such as IRC, and usually for nefarious purposes.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botnet

Sebastian Insua-Summerhays, Canterbury, ENGLAND

China considers the US an enemy because of Tawian, not George Bush. They have set a future date in which they plan take Tawian by force. Russia also has one of their islands, which they also plan on taking back, but at a later date of course. The US currency is Fiat money. Once high inflation strikes, because of mass printing. It won't be worth the paper it's printed on. China's not to worried about the paper money, but rather what our politicians hand over to them for a few messly contribution dollars. The US has never though of China as an enemy and, I never in my wildest dreams though they looked at us as one. Why? because of Tawain? China has all the money, why don't they just buy Tawian. Company by company until they own enough to make the laws. Which is alot cheaper than what their spending on their war machine. Not to mention the 100's of millon of lives of people, who never even knew that China had a one sided hate for them.

Doug, San Francisco, CA

China has been spying on US naval secrets for years, especially on vulnerabilities of aircraft carriers. It makes threats to Taiwan about independance (national pride at stake) and then there is the old score to settle with the old enemy Japan (4th largest economy). China has shown its ruthlessness many times in the recent past. The real obstacle to China on military action in these area's is the US Navy. China is plowing its new found riches into military development; not just bigger but better. These actions speak for themselves - China is gearing up to dominate the Asian reqion (at least). Its strategey of cyber war was started in its much poorer days but is also an essential element to full non-nuclear war for any nation - causing mayhem and chaos is essential to the early days of any strike. I dont doubt the Chinese people are not too different to any other, but they have little control over their leaders. Future safety needs a closer alliance of West, Russia, India & Pakistan.

Jack Sprat, Bristol, UK

Americans can tolerate a lot, but we don't tolerate a loss of convenience very well. We tend to get very angry.

Angry people who are the most well armed on earth and no TV to watch or internet to vegetate in front of... I'd really think this one through a little bit better, China.

Bill, Massapequa, NY

This is relates to a spiraling system of mistrust stemming from aggressive and threatening postures. Without favouring China: President Bush has for the first time since WWII a first strike nuclear policy and is supporting Taiwan against China. China regards Taiwan as part of China. Bush's position is both suicidal and threatening.
A two China solution like Hong KOng is the best negotiated outcome. The alternative is unthinkable, but logically China has to consider it under the circumstances. It has also in all likelihood experienced cyber attention from the US.
Renouncement o first strike and war as an instrument of policy would help. Obviously the Pentagon is also active on this regard and
thus we are once more engaged in a self-reinforcing system of mistrust and an escalating arms race and counterespionage and increasing projection see Machin: Moral premises of Nuclear War on Mobipocket. Take the guns off the table return to the NPT and reduce threats.

Barrie Machin, Perth, Australia

There's some disconnect here.

At a time when the intelligence services of three countries are presumably scrambling to muster large cyber-warfare capabilities, there is just ONE botnet, StormWorm, which dwarfs all others.

The attack on Estonia in particular appears to have been the work of privateers. Not since the 17th century has any country relied to this extent on privateers for defence capability in new theatres (Sir Walter Raleigh and all that), and the dynamics are subtly different this time - when push comes to shove will the governments concerned actually be able to pay the owner of StormWorm enough to persuade him to stay loyal? Or is he going to hold his former masters to ransom, like some James Bond villain?

Ian Kemmish, Biggleswade, UK

Oh when are the children going to stop squabbling and see that their lust for power is just making their populations unhappy? The entire world is going to run out of oil. The whole world is going to suffer climate calamity.

Computer hackers are a bit like spy satellites - harmless in themselves. But the information they may gather may make certain generals and politicians think war is more feasible, that is the disturbing trend.

The answer is obvious and simple. Use the internet to open up communication between people, and lets rid ourselves of these unhappy children we call "government" who seem to derive their power by fighting wars.

People power is stronger than rusting old bombs and pointless conflict.

nicholas alexander, auckland, New Zealand

It would seem the easiest solution to the problem would be to have all energy, financial, military and medical institutions step up with isolated computers that are not networked that would take over in the event of critical failure. That way in the event of the “Hacker’s War” no necessary, vital and or key systems are disabled entirely.

Greg Weaver, Salt Lake City, Utah/USA

So the terrorists weren't enough, the communism is a threat again. I have to admit that the strategy itself is not bad (for China, not for us).
But just imagine, if the Chinese people would revolt against the communist leadership... too beautiful to be true. But this could be a counter strategy: to cause a revolt in the country, so they wouldn't be a threat (and because we are not like them, we maybe should even help them to put a good government and economy, without copying and stealing ideas).
At least the Americans and the threatened countries (e.g. all countries) should use hackers to develop a good computer protection, and to counter attack somehow.
The strategy of the Chinese shuld be secret, no? But we know even some names. The intelligence is doing its job.
The computers with important datas should be isolated from the net, no? (okay, I know it isn't so easy, but the experts have to come with new ideas).

Ernő Búzás, Odorheiu Secuiesc, Romania

"according to military documents ... that are being analysed by US intelligence officials"

And how, may I ask, did these US intelligence officials get their hands on these 'documents'? Thats right, the CIA are the world's foremost in espionage. China does not even come close.

Anyone who thinks that the US does not have similar if not identical plans in place as a contingency measure is kidding themselves.

Pete, Cov,

I have no problem with China trying to carry out cyber war with the US. But what really gets to me is that most Chinese computer and tech experts get their education here in the US. This is infuriating! We educate those who will one day wage war on us?! It just doesn't make sense. This is also true in Western Europe; Angela Merkel has recently expressed concern that Chinese researchers in German universities may need to be monitored a little more closely.

Mike K., Cambridge, USA/ Mass.

dishant sharma, Aligarh, INDIA is the common and garden variety of prejudiced scribblers from India. Envy and jealousy and hatred against China is his mantra.

Frank, Halifax , UK

no!China doesn't mean cheat!!Chinese people are honest and kindness.you never know any chinese,and you never come to china.How can you say that!!Chinese people love peace than other countries' people.We hate war!
And i don't know why the times uses an so old picture(it was painted in 40years ago)to discribe PLA.I think that the teenages in china do not know what the picture is .It is so out of date!

cindy, nanning, china

China is very dangerous and is getting ready for war. War games with Russia, Putin getting phot opps in fatigues...
Why else would they want to get "the better" on us when the United States has no interest in attacking China?

The world views the USA as weak and corrupt! ( Liberals made US this way) "They" would love to control our lands and vast resources...they would literally eat their way from coast to coast.

A very strong argument as to why American citizens need to be armed and the government NOT posses records indicating who and who is not armed. Records only serve as a shopping list for tyrants,criminals and foreign invaders.

I forget what Jap general that said it, (WWII) but he was asked why he never planned to attack US soil. His reply:
"Their is a gun behind every blade of grass!"

Jerry, Milford, USA, CT

Someone has been watching a little to much Die Hard 4...

Scott, Sydney,

China is just as capable to master advanced science as the US. US is now complaining because she does not want other to be in the game. No country can be trusted including India and Russia. Every country just looks after her own interests.

Lucy, Sydney, Australia

I'm not buying this. It smells too much like propaganda, targetted at getting funding for military investments.
It's also rather ironic, that the internet, which is a network architecture specifically designed by the american army to be resilient against military attacks, now suddenly seems such a weak structure.
79.000 attacks is not that much, given that we have a billion people who use internet.
Larry M. Wortzel studied politicology and not information technology.
However, if the widespread use of the internet for economic reasons makes the economies vulnerable to attacks on the internet, this danger needs to be analysed, weighed and mediated. But not via this kind of propaganda.
It can also be considered healthy, that the internet is evolving and improving itself, by having to withstand all these experiments.

Walter, Maastricht, Netherlands

Unfortunately, Bush has more important things to worry about; allowing illegal immigration to continue, fulfilling his promises to Vinente Fox, and the merging of Canada, USA, and Mexico.
We've all been sold out. Your best interests are of no concern to our politicians.

Gabacho, Houston, USA

As you have said, a Pentagon spokesman has told The Times that all major nations – including China – were scrambling to defend against, and working out ways to cause, “maximum strategic damage” by taking out banking systems, power grids and communications networks. If we are all doing it why all the fuss about China?

stephen Bull, Fontes 34320, france

this doesnt make sense.
why would china bite the hand that feeds them?
the United States is the biggest consumer of chinese products

Dj, Biglerville, United States

Everything in balance - most sophisticated countries have this kind of attack/defense capability.

The thing is, China is more and more making itself capitalistic, allowing businesses to flourish, people to have large earnings. It's been extremely good for China prosperity-wise. However, this will inevitably lead to the same vulnerabilities that the other nations have regarding the internet.

Mike, Portsmouth, UK

Where are Hitler, Haman, Julius Cesar and the Pharohs now... Read Ezekiel 38-23...

Paul, San Diego, USA

I have said for years that islam is a red herring in americas fears. They should most definately be looking towards china. China is set to become the worlds economic superpower, which means they will become the worlds overall superpower. China has more people than america and europe combined and more people mean a bigger army.

How does china feel about america? Do they hate them more than islamic states? Just do a little research and find out!

Kim, london, england

Watch out though, China doesnt know about America's secret weapon to bring down their infrastructure. We have set up cells through out the country of World of Warcraft players who can go without food and water for weeks in order to carry out an unprecented attack on the Chinese infrastrcuture. They even have buckets to collect the human waste, making them untouchable in terms of counter attacks. If the Chinese really want to engange in cyber wars they have no clue how many bored Americans who waste away their lives on Counter Strike, WoW, and many other games are willing to participate. They might want to take that into account the next time they think about a pre-emptive strike. ;)

Jim, Biston, MA, USA

I think it is widely recognized and apparent that instead of coming up with their own ideas (like the US and other countries have), they have to copy others' ideas. Instead of working FORWARD toward advancing their OWN society, they must look BACKWARD at debilitating others' governments, technologies, processes, etc.

Honestly, what is wrong with people in today's world? We are at the peak of our progress as a human species... and such childish international banter/attacks/wars, etc. only seeks to digress- rather than advance- the progress we can offer to future generations. Instead of putting so much effort into hurting another country, why can't they put all that effort into curing diseases, easing global warming, improving technologies, etc.????

corky bobbins, badin, germany

dishant sharma,

What a ridiculous comment. Do not allow your shallow racism and generalisations cloud what is an important debate.

Of course developing nations such as Japan in the 80's and China today copy others. That is the nature of development. As they industrialise, the learn from and compete with others - we in turn need to keep moving ahead. A large number of Indian industries, such as call centre outsourcing, directly replicates what was first developed in western nations - even down to having Indian call handlers learn local english accents and TV characters!

As for the cyber warfare, is it a surprise? The US has it's fleet around the world for a reason - advantage in war. All governments are looking for tactical advantages, through economics, arms or technology. It is hypocritical to pretend otherwise.

P Yeats, London, UK

Lucy,

China does not have 'good record of treating Tibetans'. Where did you come up with that nonsense?
I don't believe China is hostile to the world, and I certainly don't believe that the US carrier fleet can be disabled using the internet or any of that. But please be honest to your own country's propaganda. Propaganda in the west is: The war in Irak is good and not for making profit for a select group of people. Propaganda in China is: Tibet is treated good and we show the bright path.

Joris van de Ven, Groningen, the Netherlands

I have seen warring nations since !945 to our present new batch of wars. The USA is the most giving nation to others on the planet.

We are not trying to domanate the world,our idoligty is an option.
The world is headed toward a crossroad of who do you what to belive. Our own political climante is full of sentors that spend to much time in the bathroom stalls than they do trying to bring this country togeather.

We as a people seem to care more about political correctness
than using good common sense.

God help us as the enemy rubs it hands togeather while we agure among ourselves. A house divided cannot stand.

Frank, Houston, USA/Texas

There are computers that test unprotected websites and false websites, that look real but are not.Also, if IT network specialist can walk into without your password. The win 32 program were originally designed to spot threats in your system and correct in positive way. However, various forms have been used by hacker, to cause malicious problem, to destroy software protections. Good luck in near future with win32 programs, everyone, including me will need it

Donald Canaday, Dedham, , Massachusetts

Sadly, China will suffocate from the sheer mass of humanity and the infrastructures needed to sustain them.

Don't put your faith in government, place your faith in Jesus Christ.

God Bless You (In the name of Jesus!)

James, Denver, USA/Colorado

"thank bill gates for sharing the way to kill the world"
Yeah cos I'm sure the Pentagon runs Windows on its critical systems. Have a word!

Gobo, Wales,

thats what we get for LETTING them steal our technology for so long, not to mention the military technology given to them by our government.

Paul R, NYC,

In Germany we have also the "copy-problems" with China.
And China did also hack the German government.

Hope the USA can do something against this "little cyber war".

Jens, Leipzig, Germany

I see a internet cold war coming.

:F, Birmingham, england

Why don't they cut off all communications with China? Is that so difficult?

p, m, Netherlands

Of course the US Congress has made it illegal to even attemp to "hack" a computer (more accurate would be to "crack" a computer), so we do not even get the chance to shore up our own vulnerablilities internally. So we might as well let the Chinese do it for us!

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

China is very dangerous and is getting ready for war. War games with Russia, Putin getting phot opps in fatigues...
Why else would they want to get "the better" on us when the United States has no interest in attacking China?

The world views the USA as weak and corrupt! ( Liberals made US this way) "They" would love to control our lands and vast resources...they would literally eat their way from coast to coast.

A very strong argument as to why American citizens need to be armed and the government NOT posses records indicating who and who is not armed. Records only serve as a shopping list for tyrants,criminals and foreign invaders.

I forget what Jap general that said it, (WWII) but he was asked why he never planned to attack US soil. His reply:
"Their is a gun behind every blade of grass!"

Jerry, Milford, USA, CT

@Yu Yang
China is powerful indeed.
It also has a dam with a 600 kilometer lake behind it.
Also, it is polluting a very limited sweet water supply. I'd like to see them sustain their growth potential while at the same time poisoning one of its most essential natural resources. How's that working out for you guys?

Jack, New York, New York

This is very much our own fault. Western military organisations have for too long underestimated the importance of cyber-security. We've heard stories over the years of networks with no firewall or DMZ, and accounts with virtually no password protection - I even recall one story of network passwords being stored/passed in clear text. If a couple of black-hats on our own side of the fence can get into the Pentagon, DoJ, Whitehall or the MOD, why has it been so hard to conceive of a Chinese attack?

Matthew Brown, Glasgow,

reported on a UK website. and what is Bush's response? He's going to pretend to care by whining at some Chinese official.

I don't know if I am embarrassed or frightened to be an American. Flabbergasted, perhaps.

Japhy Bartlett, Benton Harbor, MI, USA

Better for the Chinese to research computer hacking as a form of attack rather than chemical and biological weapons that america continues to do.

Luke, st ives, cornwall

Sadly, China will suffocate from the sheer mass of humanity and the infrastructures needed to sustain them.

Don't put your faith in government, place your faith in Jesus Christ.

God Bless You (In the name of Jesus!)

James, Denver, USA/Colorado

nice to know that the American Democratic Party is Hsure on their payroll. Makes me feel so secure for the West's long term survival.

kingronjo, sarasota, FL

China would have to get there first, I,m sure the US has better plans in place for the Chinese than they have for the US.

d case, newquay,

If they resort to tactics like that, they still expect us to buy their substandard exports?

Eric, Las Vegas, NV

Sadly, China will suffocate from the sheer mass of humanity and the infrastructures needed to sustain them.

Don't put your faith in government, place your faith in Jesus Christ.

God Bless You (In the name of Jesus!)

James, Denver, USA/Colorado

I hope the truth comes out so that we can see the true nature of China.

dave, Saskatoon, Canada

'm not buying this. It smells too much like propaganda, targetted at getting funding for military investments.

It's also rather ironic, that the internet, which is a network architecture specifically designed by the american army to be resilient against military attacks, now suddenly seems such a weak structure.

79.000 attacks is not that much, given that we have a billion people who use internet.

Larry M. Wortzel studied politicology and not information technology.

However, if the widespread use of the internet for economic reasons makes the economies vulnerable to attacks on the internet, this danger needs to be analysed, weighed and mediated. But not via this kind of propaganda.

It can also be considered healthy, that the internet is evolving and improving itself, by having to withstand all these experiments.

Walter, Maastricht, Netherlands

Sun Yiming and Yang Liping,,,,So does this mean they are trying to get a job at Microsoft or HP ,, why would they make there names known, they obviously do not work for the Chinese government anymore.

I note on the CIA website where citizens / people obtain information of if it is safe to fly to other countrys in the same way as the Home ofice displays info for tourism travel in the UK,, there are log in areas,,,does your referral to attempted hacks mean,, if I try 10 time to log into there restricted area I am a hacker.

Most of these hacks are surly US children messing around after looking at there most wanted listings

Nicholas Iles, Oswestry, Shropshire

I'm not buying this. It smells too much like propaganda, targetted at getting funding for military investments.

It's also rather ironic, that the internet, which is a network architecture specifically designed by the american army to be resilient against military attacks, now suddenly seems such a weak structure.

79.000 attacks is not that much, given that we have a billion people who use internet.

Larry M. Wortzel studied politicology and not information technology.

However, if the widespread use of the internet for economic reasons makes the economies vulnerable to attacks on the internet, this danger needs to be analysed, weighed and mediated. But not via this kind of propaganda.

It can also be considered healthy, that the internet is evolving and improving itself, by having to withstand all these experiments.

Walter, Maastricht, Netherlands

? ! ?! it is very surprising that the UK Times use this 1960's sooo old picture in this headling news...very surprising... welcome to china and konw her modernization...

weiqin, beijing , China

Every dog has its day... its important to remember that in history, the supposed conquerer failed due to their lack of a moral compass. China, like the ancient Egyptians, Romans, Persians, Greeks, Soviets and others will end up in a simlar fate. I, for one am not the least bit intimidated by the Chinese government. Stand tall America, you will prevail....

Paul, San Diego, USA

Hacking and cyber aggresion are worldwise poblems with economic, social, political and military implications. It is a form of international hooliganism.

The danger is that the US military machine will take over cyber defense efforts as a national security issue. We are now seeing huge sums of military money pour into cyber defense (good) and the entire issue become a rallying point for the US war lobby (bad).

Like terrorism, cyber aggression will become another foil for US worldwide militarism. Treating cyber aggression as cyber terrorism is the first step in the never ending militarisation of America.

I have seen the growth of the US military establishment from a few unknown heros in 1941 to the dominant force in American government today. It is the one constant factor in the US political equation. From flood control to computer network security, US politicians have never disagreed on "national defense." Computer defense is just the latest.

John f bellantoni, Sarasota, Florida

China blows...they can all die.

Anon, Austin,

There are a least 8 China Hacker Groups. we call them as HuBei Jun(Jun for military troop) ShangHai Jun, Beijing/TienJing Jun, GuoDong Jun, FuJian Jun, SiChuan Jun, JianSu Jun, SiAnn Jun.

Through incidents handling and investigation with law enforcements, we found some evidences to prove the china hackers (targeted attack/ spearing phishing) were come from government (military,intelligent dept and public security).

(1) Organized: have principle, formal check-in/out time,
in our domain name (used by backdoor) observations, they start to work at 0700 GMT+8 Round 1, 1150 Lunch, 1400 Round 2, 1730 Take a break,
then, depends on group, have night team, to hack foreign countries.

(2) the Tools. not common seen in public Internet .
some hacker groups using the same military produced/purchased hacking tools.

(3) the source IP we sniffer from incident handling, can be directly mapping to military regions of China.

CharlieChen, TP, Taiwan

It's so unfair. We would never do this to them - would we?

Jamie, London, United Kingdom

this is why we need to start making products back in the Good Ole USA. We have made China what it is. I have never met a good Communist and that is who runs China. Dont know why the USA is so buddy buddy with them.

Team Sully, dallas, tx

There is an interesting book called "Thick Face, Black Heart" as well as another "classic", called "The Art of War", study China's past and you see a resourseful, intelligent, and when neccessary, absolutely ruthless culture.

I don't know if the US has any idea what it's up against. The US generally cites the sad fading light of Great Britian, and it's morphing to the UK and it's limited influence as a "World Power"....

The ironic thing is.... it's happening to "us"... we've become fat and complacent and we protest about the indignity of an opponent who "doesn't play fair..."

Suprise! Welcome to a "world" that's existed far beyond 231 years.

Wecome to an opponent who's fought before the term B.C. came into being....

Peter, San Francisco, CA, USA

China may copy things from other country but atleast they have stronger economy and very less poverty compare to INDIA with large portions of their country budgets are spent on agressive militery shopping leaving their countrys poor people without basic welfate facilities like food, medical and education.

Ilven sara, London, UK

I don't quite get it. Every time China "attacks" one of our systems, just what does that accomplish other than to alert us to our own vulnerabilities, thus allowing - and motivating - us to take preventive action?

Let's also remind ourselves that China is just doing what any self-respecting sovereign nation would do -- preparing for a worst-case contingency. There's a big difference between wise planning and ill-intentioned plotting. Nothing here suggests to me that they are scheming towards some inevitable confrontation with nations upon whom they are increasingly dependent for their wealth, comfort and success. And if indeed, "Chinese military manuals... identify the US as the country they are most likely to go to war with", wasn't the Bush administration, prior to 9/11, singling out China as our most likely adversary in war?

The real scandal here, if there is one, would be if our own military and intelligence services were not doing the same -- and doing a better job of it!

David Rosenblatt, Medford, MA

Work together against the bully, ... or live in fear of being the next victim. Together we are strong. China (and the PLA ) can only grow if the rest of the world buys its products ...

l.karremans, heusden,

The dramatical economy and social development make us feel proud of our nation without doubt. Meanwhile,we know that we still have a lot of work to do to make our develipment more reasonable, sustainable. During the way of learning, what we need is not only experience from others, but also trust.

fish, hangzhou,

Beware of China and don't let it take you off guard. China is very dangerous and capable of stabbing you in the back.

Roma, Moscow,

I don't know which is worse: Chinese hackers or obnoxious Indian telemarketers who brazenly violate the US law on "do not call" lists. lol

Arik Silverman, MIlwaukee, USA

Time to cut the international cables with China?

michael clarke, Leningrad, uk

Too much movies, only idiots would believe carrier battle groups could be hacked at all, let alone remotely from a chinese teenager's bedroom... much like only idiots would believe Iraq was a threat to world peace with its millions of nukes... oh wait, people really believed that... human stupidity is infinite indeed.

Besides, to our Indian friend here, there is only winners and losers, and the winner defines the definition of "cheating", not the loser.

Meng, Toronto, Canada

China is the greatest country ! Maybe our country is not a developed country now ,but our people are struggling for it .We all depend ourselves .

lbx2046 , Tianjin , China

A commie country that will grow old before it grows rich. Wait it out; China will implode.

Mary Catherine, Elmhurt, US/IL

Anyone who knows the Chinese culture and does business with China, as I do, will tell you that this is probably more Neo-con propagand designed to keep us scared. The Chinese can't even maintain their own infrastructure working properly. Please.

Dustin G, Pasadena, CA

"Pentagon fears 'electronic war' with China"? Please!!!... This kind of activity has been going on for years. It can only be taken for granted that it is going on. Spying and preparing for war are daily routine, something the West and more particularly the US have been doing for years, without showing any respect for anything: air space, borders, embassies, diplomatic personnel, etc.. The mighty dragon is now part of this world, and there to stay. Indeed, it will in future be more present than ever. Better get used to it right now. It is time the media stop being so disingenuous.... Why not assume the readers are intelligent and well-informed, for once?

Joseph L., Montreal, Canada

Did 'Lucy's' post originate in Beijing I wonder?

Ben, York,

I have stopped buying chinese products wherever possible and will continue to source as much as I can from outside of china. China is responsible for much unemployment across europe with many manufacturing jobs now gone. China has zero morality when it comes to copyrights and patents and steals just about everything it can to make money. Until china becomes a real democracy we are only creating a monster that is likely to come back and bite us....we need to take control before it's too late.

Viv, london, england

As if the numerous US secret services wouldn't be hacking into Chinese (and other countries') computers... Sheer hypocrisy.
That being said, these incidents hopefully lead to raised awareness about insecure computer systems and IT processes... crappy bug-ridden software from Microsoft on government computers, defense contractors that incompetently put up classified documents on public web spaces, officials losing notebooks with unencrypted harddisks, etc. We need more awareness about data security, not only in government but also in the business world.

Matt, Wuerzburg, Germany

the great chinese people want world peace and good Olympics. their toys are good yet tainted by the Western propaganda. they have good record of treating Tibetans and the people of inner Mongolia . the chinese govt. shows the bright path to chinese Muslims as well. the leader of china mao tse tung was appointed by me to enlighten the good people of china . they have listen so now they reap the reward. that was just a computer glitch nothing else, ok? the chinese military is for PEACE purposes only! without china you would have expensive things! now you can buy many and cheap! cheap!! say thank you for the chinese products in your nearest wallmart , after all those who sell them to you liberated many people in many places.
p.s. it is money of china in all American banks , why woud pla want to attack it's own money?

Lucy Fer De'vil, Zimbabwe,

We are heading towards a new world , the world will become one. Everything and everyone will be controlled and monitored. It doesn't matter if we talk about China or the US. The new arms race is going to set the futures climate anyway.

hope I, and my children don't live to see it...

Shaun, Uk, Dorset

I see our enemies on visas at UC Berkeley's Dept of Computer Science, studying how to attack us. All their visas should berevoked and they should be shipped home, since they seem to have trouble getting a quality graduate education there.

Michelle Sheridan, Oakland, CA, USA

thank bill gates for sharing the way to kill the world .why when ever something good is made you mad people make war with it grow up or you won't get to leave earth to travel in space

douglas smith, orillia, canada

Good luck China

duke_widin, Shanghai, Peoples Republic China

china is powerful .i like it.

yu yang , noyouk, usa

There is a lot of money to be made in this new game of warfare. And make no mistake, it is a game of commerce, and has all but nothing to do with real war, which would in any case progress to nuclear far quicker than most people imagine.
So, let''s go grab a great chunk of that business!

Michael K., London, UK

china means CHEAT, when it is in his name no one can change its basic mentality.It used to copy each and every thing of others from US cars to war wepons and now tacts for cyber war.This all things are bad & must be monitored by International body,alike of INTERPOL.

dishant sharma, Aligarh, INDIA